Teachers Under Attack: KUPPET Condemns Violence Over Poor KCSE Results at Bumala B Secondary

Teachers Under Attack: KUPPET Condemns Violence Over Poor KCSE Results at Bumala B Secondary
Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba

In a shocking incident that unfolded on Monday night and continued into the following morning, angry parents and students of Bumala B Secondary School attacked teachers in their staff quarters following the release of the school's disappointing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results.

The mob, made up of both parents and students, pelted stones at the teachers and barricaded their doors with large twigs, effectively trapping them inside their homes. The violence was triggered by the school’s abysmal performance in the exams, where no student qualified for university admission. The highest score recorded was a C- (minus), while several others received grade Es.

The attack has sparked outrage from Moffat Okisai, the Executive Secretary of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Busia County. Speaking out against the actions of the mob, Okisai emphasized that good academic results are a collective responsibility, one that involves both teachers and parents.

“It is unacceptable to resort to violence against teachers. School performance is influenced by various factors beyond the classroom, including absenteeism and teenage pregnancies,” Okisai remarked. “Blaming teachers alone is not only unfair but ignores the role of parents in addressing the root causes of poor performance.”

Teachers, who were left shaken by the incident, have reported the matter to Butula Police Station and voiced their concerns for their safety. Fearing for their lives, they are calling on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to intervene and provide necessary protection.

“We were simply going about our work when the mob came to our houses, throwing stones at us and blocking our doors. They even threatened to return and teach us a lesson,” one terrified teacher shared.

According to the teachers, absenteeism was a major issue that contributed to the poor results, a challenge they say parents failed to address despite their ongoing support of the affected students.

“We dealt with persistent absenteeism, and no one stepped in to intervene. Now, we’re being blamed for results beyond our control,” another teacher explained.

As the investigation continues, the teachers hope their concerns will be heard and that steps will be taken to ensure their safety in the future.